There are some journeys you never really leave behind. Back to Alabama began as a return, not simply to a place, but to memories, family stories, questions, traditions, and the pieces of ourselves that time cannot erase.

Teaching poetry is about so much more than interpreting words on a page. It is an opportunity to engage with the world around us, ask meaningful questions, and explore the experiences that shape our lives.

Some places become sacred not because of where they are, but because of what happens there. The Carpet is a poem born from memory, faith, surrender, and transformation. It reflects on the ordinary things that quietly absorb our prayers, our tears, our questions, and our becoming.

Every book has a story behind it. Back to Alabama was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.

Growth often begins with saying yes to something that scares you. For me, that meant going back to school, pursuing a master's degree, and walking into my first poetry workshop with more questions than answers. The experience stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me.

Sometimes healing arrives quietly. Not with grand announcements, but with a piece of fruit, a word of encouragement, a reminder that barren ground is not the end of the story. "Expert of the Apricot Groves" is a poem about recovery, renewal, and the people who help us recognize the harvests

Sis, if God gave you the gift, He meant for you to use it. Sometimes it’s easy to feel small in a room full of big talent, but remember: your voice, your gift, your purpose, they’re all intentional. It’s ministry. It’s a calling. It’s YOU. 🙌🏾 Don’t let self-doubt steal what God has given you

There are seasons when we are called to labor, and there are seasons when we are called to trust. "Neither the One Who Plants" is a meditation on waiting, faith, renewal, and the quiet kindness found in God's timing.

Whether Alabama is your home or simply a place you've passed through, I hope these poems meet you wherever you are and remind you that our roots continue to nourish us, even from a distance. 📖 Back to Alabama is available now for $20. 💚 Cash App: $kv25549 💙 PayPal: @vsmithpoetry #BackToAlabama

I'm grateful for opportunities to share the stories and inspirations behind the collection. In 2024, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Sundress Blog, where I discussed poetry, family history, faith, Southern roots, and the experiences that shaped this book.

From my roots at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State to the humbling experiences as a 2022 Tennessee Williams Scholar and 2020 Hambidge Center resident, this path has been a blend of storytelling, learning, and love for the craft. Thank you for welcoming me into your space

My grandmother, Southern steel and Sunday elegance, bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots. #LegacyOfStrength #WomenWhoRaisedUs #AncestralPower #SouthernGrit #BlackWomenStories

This moment from the University System of Georgia Teaching & Learning Conference already feels like a chapter tucked between the pages of a very full year. We gather as educators, researchers, writers, mentors, and learners, each carrying our own questions, experiences, and service for students.

Every book has a story behind it. 'Back to Alabama' was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.

2026 has been such a blur. As I look back through the moments that have shaped this year, I came across this memory from the Faculty Reading: Celebration of New Faculty Publications at Kennesaw State University on March 26.

As a poet, I believe our stories matter. They connect generations, preserve history, and help us understand one another a little more deeply. If you enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart, honors culture, and reflects on life's journeys, I invite you to take this journey with me. 📖 Back to Alabama

Time has a way of moving faster than we realize. It was a privilege to spend time with Fred Perryman, Gregory Andrews (brother of the late author Raymond Andrews), and Randy Latimer, nephew of renowned artist Benny Andrews, who was scheduled to share remarks at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.

Last month, My heart was filled with joy! I had the tremendous honor to serve as Judge for the Raymond Andrews Prize. Congrats to Tenley and all the finalists for writing such amazing stories. Thank you Jesse Freeman, Morgan County African American Museum, and the Raymond Andrews Family.

I’m honored to be one of the contributors featured in White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology, a project celebrating the artistry, spirit, and legacy of the iconic Stevie Nicks. Join us virtually for a special reading alongside e Reserve your spot here: tinyurl.com/3f3bemk5

White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology Virtual Reading - Zoom Webinar - May 26th 2026 | Afton Tickets

White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology Virtual Reading | Zoom Webinar | May 26th 2026

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There’s something sacred about witnessing young voices find their rhythm on the page… and this year’s Raymond Andrews Prize for Creative Writing reminded me just how powerful that is. As guest judge, I had the honor of reading work that was rich with imagination, honesty, and courage.

For #NationalPoetryMonth, we’re lifting the verses that break chains and build bridges amplifying the voices that spark revolutions in silence. 🎤 Drop a 🔊 if these words found you. #SpokenWord #PoetryReel #BlackPoetsMatter #WordIsBond #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryAsResistance

I’m honored to be presenting at the Popular Culture Association 2026 Annual Conference in Atlanta, where scholars and storytellers from around the world gather to explore the meaning woven into culture. If you’re in the room, come sit with me. #PCACON2026 #PlaceBasedPoetry #PoetryMonth

April said bring your truth to the mic… so here we are. 🎤✨ Some words don’t get written this month, they rise up, unannounced, like they’ve been waiting on you. This womb survived. This body carried. This soul? Still standing ten toes down.

From the Underground Railroad to Queen & Slim, Black stories have always been about escape, survival, and the pursuit of freedom, even when the road is uncertain. 🚗💨 Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us. #BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter

Last weekend, I had the honor of sitting in conversation at the Southern Studies Conference at Auburn University at Montgomery, and what a gift it was.

Because Black. Because She. Because We. ✊🏾 Black history isn’t just the past, it’s the present, the fight, the resilience, and the win. Because she black, because she hoop, because she dunk, because she tatted up. 🏀✍🏾 Because she locked up, because she free. #BlackHistoryInMotion #Brittneygriner

This Saturday!! I'm honored to share space and words at this Black History Month Open Mic Night. Grateful for community, poetry, and the stories that carry us. Come listen. Come feel. Come remember. February 21 | Acworth, GA

🖤 "We count you in the number…" 🖤 Black men move through life carrying legacy, expectation, and the weight of survival—but the cards are always stacked. Some are taken by fame. Some by violence. Some by injustice. Jimi. Michael. Prince. Kobe. Trayvon. Ahmaud. George. We pray. We fight.

To the ones who held it down, held us up, and kept their joy rooted in resistance This one’s for you. 💐 In the spirit of "Black Woman" by Georgia Douglas Johnson, we honor the strength wrapped in softness, the sacrifice laced in silence, and the beauty born through struggle.

Honored to share space and words at this Black History Month Open Mic Night. Grateful for community, poetry, and the stories that carry us. Come listen. Come feel. Come remember. February 21 | Acworth, GA